Are you frustrated because ESPN Plus is not working properly? Don’t worry, it’s a common issue and there are several practical solutions to get it up and running again quickly. In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, we’ll cover the top reasons why ESPN+ may malfunction and provide step-by-step instructions to resolve the problems on any device. By the end, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite sports content without interruption.
Reasons Why ESPN Plus Is Not Working
Before we dive into the fixes, it’s important to understand the underlying causes of ESPN+ not working properly. Some of the most frequent reasons include:
- Outdated or corrupted ESPN app
- Faulty cookies preventing server-client communication
- Incompatible browser settings blocking necessary components
- ISP restrictions disrupting connectivity to ESPN servers
- Account login issues
Knowing the root of the problem will help determine the most effective solution. Now, let’s get into the troubleshooting steps.
Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these proven solutions in order until you resolve the ESPN Plus issues:
1. Force close and relaunch the ESPN app
A temporary glitch or frozen process can cause the app to malfunction. Force closing it will stop any problematic tasks.
- Go to Settings > Application Manager
- Select the ESPN app
- Tap “Force Stop” then “OK” to confirm
- Reopen the ESPN app and check functionality
If you’re having trouble with ESPN on specific devices, check out our guides on watching ESPN on Roku, Apple TV, or Chromecast.
2. Update the ESPN app
Outdated apps commonly experience bugs and compatibility problems. Keep the ESPN app updated to the latest version.
- Open the Google Play Store or App Store
- Navigate to the ESPN app listing
- If an update is available, tap “Update“
- Once installed, relaunch ESPN Plus
3. Power cycle your devices
Restarting your streaming device and home network equipment can clear technical issues preventing ESPN+ from working.
- Power off your streaming device (TV, phone, tablet, etc.)
- Unplug your router and modem from power
- Wait 30-60 seconds, then plug network devices back in
- Wait for internet to fully reconnect
- Power on your streaming device and relaunch ESPN+
4. Clear cache and data
Accumulated app data and cache can lead to software conflicts. Clearing this can often restore functionality.
- Go to phone/tablet Settings > Apps
- Select ESPN and tap “Storage“
- Hit “Clear Data” and “Clear Cache“
- Reopen the app and log in if needed
5. Re-login to your account
Refreshing your user login session can resolve some connectivity and authorization errors.
- Open the ESPN app or website
- Navigate to settings and select “Log Out“
- Close and reopen the app/site completely
- Log back into your account and try again
Interested in using AirPlay to watch ESPN on your TV? Learn how to AirPlay ESPN to your TV hassle-free.
6. Reset browser settings
Custom browser configurations can interfere with ESPN Plus. Reverting to default settings is a useful troubleshooting step.
- Open your web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
- Go to Settings or Preferences
- Find “Reset Default Settings” or similar
- Confirm the reset process
- Relaunch your browser and revisit ESPN+
7. Try a different web browser
A browser that isn’t updated or has conflicting extensions installed can cause issues with streaming services. Try accessing ESPN+ from a different browser to rule this out.
8. Check and reset your internet connection
ESPN Plus requires a minimum of 5-10 Mbps for smooth streaming. Connection problems are very common culprits when video is not playing properly.
- Run a speed test to check your connection
- Power cycle your router/modem if needed
- Contact your ISP if problems persist
9. Disable browser extensions or plugins
Certain add-ons can conflict with streaming services, especially adblockers. Turn them off and see if it solves the problem.
- Go to your browser’s extension settings
- Disable any potentially interfering plugins
- Restart your browser and retry ESPN+
10. Allow cookies and popups from ESPN
Some browser settings block the integration between ESPN’s servers and your device. Ensure the required permissions are enabled.
- Go to your browser settings
- Find “Site Permissions” or “Privacy and Security“
- Allow cookies and popups from ESPN sites
- Refresh ESPN Plus and try again
ESPN is available on various streaming services and platforms. Check out our guides on watching ESPN on Pluto TV, DirecTV, FuboTV, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV for more information.
Key Takeaways
- First, determine the likely reason ESPN+ isn’t working based on the symptoms
- Force close the app and restart your device to clear temporary errors
- Keep the app and your browser updated to avoid compatibility bugs
- Clear cache data, reset settings, and re-login to resolve corrupted files
- Disable conflicting browser extensions that may interfere with ESPN+
- Check your internet speed and connection for smooth streaming
- Contact ESPN support if problems persist after attempting common fixes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my ESPN Plus keep freezing?
ESPN+ may freeze or buffer excessively if your internet connection is too slow or unstable. Aim for 10+ Mbps speeds and restart your router if needed. Clearing your cache and updating the app can also help.
How do I restore access to ESPN+ if I’m getting an error code?
First, power cycle your device and router. If that doesn’t work, log out of your ESPN account, uninstall the app, restart your device, reinstall and log in again. Check for any error code explanations.
What should I do if I keep getting logged out of ESPN Plus?
This usually indicates an issue with your stored login cookies. Try clearing your browser cache and app data, then log in again. You may also need to reset your password.
Is there a way to troubleshoot ESPN Plus problems on my smart TV?
Yes, smart TV troubleshooting is similar to mobile devices. Uninstall the ESPN app, restart your TV, then reinstall ESPN and log in again. Make sure your TV firmware is updated too.
Why am I getting a blackout restriction message on ESPN+?
Due to regional broadcasting regulations, some live ESPN+ content may be blacked out in certain areas to protect broadcasters. You’ll need to watch through an authorized regional provider instead.
Can using a VPN help resolve ESPN Plus streaming issues?
A VPN may be able to bypass some connectivity problems between ESPN’s servers and your ISP. However, ESPN+ may also block known VPN servers. It’s not a consistent solution.
By systematically working through these solutions, you should be able to resolve the vast majority of ESPN Plus problems and get back to enjoying your sports streams. Remember, if troubleshooting doesn’t work, your next step is to contact ESPN’s customer support for further assistance. They’ll have access to your account details and be able to provide more targeted technical support. Don’t let frustrating technical problems get in the way of your ESPN+ experience!
